Thursday was to be a slow day for me but I’ve said that before on days that did not turn out that way. Fortunately, while the day ended up with something very new, it was still relatively slow and a welcomed one at that.
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We were to be ready to go with breakfast eaten by 7:00 a.m.! Those were the strict instructions from Sunny. The University of South China had planned a special tourism weekend for all of the foreign language teachers from America (and Aurelie from France). A bus was chartered to transport the group that consisted of our eleven; plus four Chinese staff members: Sunny, Alma, Hoasn (a young male student worker), and another Chinese woman that spoke no English and couldn’t even tell us her name; and Asher, the ten-year-old son of Sunny.
I was up early. Partially because it was very hot and uncomfortable in the room and partially because I’m always up early. I learned a long time ago the sunrises are so much more peaceful and beautiful than the sunsets. The best thing about our lodging was the view from the outdoor deck that was a part of the room. The view overlooked the Riverwalk that went throughout the city, and while it was wonderful the evening before because of the nightlights and decoration, the simple sunrise was even more spectacular.
The next morning came with a renewed vigor. I popped out of bed like a piece of toast! I was back! Everybody in my group that saw me that morning even commented on how much better I looked, and how much pep I seemed to have back in my step. I slept very well. The air conditioning was not cut off in the middle of the night. When I commented on such, I discovered that my roommate Hoasn had spoken to the Hotel management the evening before explaining that I was not feeling well and could they not cut off the electricity to our room that night – something for which they obliged!
I awoke and realized that I had houseguests! Mia and Jessie were asleep in the guest bedroom. I walked by their room and closed the door so as not to disturb them as I started my day. This day I did not forget that I had an English class coming at 8:30 a.m. After checking my email from which I had been away for three days I returned a few responses but mainly waited to call Donna at our appointed time. It was Sunday evening at home. She had two Chinese new friends at our house in Woodridge, Andy and Sarah, and so I had the chance to speak to them and say “Ni Hao, Ni Hao Ma” with the little Chinese I had learned.
Tuesday was destined to rain - again. It was cloudy and felt like it was going to bust loose soon. I let the girls sleep in as I realized they are still college-aged students. But about 10:00 I needed some translation services and I felt good about calling out Jessie’s name in a low voice, and she responded quickly. To my surprise she appeared out of her room dressed and ready to go within seconds. She apparently was already up and going long before I called her.
Wednesday brought excitement that I was getting closer to getting my sweet wife in Hengyang. But I needed to get the apartment cleaned. Edwin and Mary hired a cleaning lady that comes by once a week or so. They helped me arrange for her to come by my apartment and spend about four hours or so cleaning. The cost of ¥50 (~$7.50 USD) for four hours of work seemed way too low and I wanted to pay her more.
I was up early because I knew that Donna would be at the airport in Chicago waiting to board the plane for her trip here. I had told her to call me from the gate to tell me she was on her way. I was expecting that call about 7:00 a.m. here which is about 6:00 p.m. the evening before in Chicago. On cue, the call came and she was on her way!
The morning sun was up and Donna had been in bed (with a varying amount of overnight solid sleep) for about 11 or more hours. I knew that my jet lag had turned around rather easily with the same kind of schedule. I thought she would be good to go if she could get out of bed and stay up again all day again. No Chinese naps for her. Fortunately, she’s not a napper anyway. After some coffee, tea and some breakfast foods we were ready to explore the new world before us.
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AuthorSteve Shaner, also known as Xie Yeye, is a professional story teller that delights in traveling to meet new and old friends. He can be contacted at shaner.steve@gmail.com. Blog ContentsMay 12-14, 2010
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